Learning the abc of hairdressing on the color tour
Great hairdressing is all about 'A-B-C' (art, business and culture): that was the key message on this year's Paul Mitchell Colour Tour.
It was also the recipe for great hairdressing education, as Paul Mitchell Artistic Directors Scott Cole and Linda Yodice, who had flown into from the States to inspire and educate, proved to the Paul Mitchell crowd.
The art was shown by Linda who demonstrated two salon-ready techniques - 'Sun-Squared' and 'Rainbow' - from Angus Mitchell's Tri-Lateral Collection, and was supported by the Platform Artist Club (PAC) who wowed the audience with their 'platinum card', a high maintenance technique for creamy blondes.
The results were a series of stunning blonde creations, from an Agyness Deyn-esque platinum crop, to multi-tonal blondes from light chocolate blonde through to caramel and another platinum creation infused with violet.
Meanwhile Scott emphasised the importance of business to a successful hair salon. "Follow the KIS principle," he urged. "That's keep it simple, to you and I".
He explained that hairdressers have six key opportunities to sell their salon, people and services to their clients, whom he likes to describe as 'guests':
- Reception
Scott suggests you re-name the reservationist for a touch of glamour. - The consultation
This is where communication is key to getting to know what your clients wants and being strong enough to say 'no' if that will not work - The backwash
Again, he named this the 'sinktuary' and says that it is the little touches that make all the difference. - The colour bar
Here Scott recommends that you measure exactly how many of your clients are having colour because 'if you keep score, you can do more'. - The tool bar
This is an opportunity for you to sell professional tools to all of your guests - Take Home
'Don't think of it as retail,' urges Scott. He says it is an add-on service that enables clients to maintain their style between visits.
As for the culture, that comes down to the team spirit of working together and everyone loving what they do.
Linda and Scott suggest the principle that if you see something wrong, you must take ownership of that problem.
They urged the audience to seize every opportunity that comes their way because you never know where it will lead.
Finally it was time to put the good ideas into practice in a hands-on workshop session.
With members of the Paul Mitchell® Art Team on hand to offer support, the audience worked on mannequin heads to recreate the rainbow and platinum card techniques ready to take them back to the salon.